Tent camping near Intervale, New Hampshire offers campers access to dense woodland trails and pristine alpine environments within White Mountain National Forest. The region's wilderness campsites typically sit between 1,500-3,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F days and 50-60°F nights. Winter access to backcountry sites requires specialized equipment and preparation, with snow often lingering at higher elevations until May.
What to do
Trailside waterfall exploration: At Fourth Iron Campground, campers can access multiple swimming spots along the Saco River. "The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day," notes Sarah C., who appreciates the "multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river." For waterfall enthusiasts, nearby trails offer additional opportunities. "Near some short waterfall hikes," mentions Mike M.
Summit access for sunrise views: The tent platforms at Guyot Shelter provide strategic positioning for peak bagging with minimal gear. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," reports Hollie G. The site serves as an excellent jumping-off point: "I highly suggest a sunrise peak if you have the energy to get up early!" adds Asher K.
Winter snowshoeing and camping: Experienced winter campers can access several sites year-round for cold-weather adventures. Ryan M. describes his experience at Sawyer Pond: "Probably one of my favorite nights out, stayed in the open air shelter. No one else was there. Waist deep snow made hike in a little more difficult, post holing every 5th step." Winter visitors should prepare for challenging trail conditions and must be self-sufficient.
What campers like
Accessible backcountry: Sawyer Pond offers a gentle introduction to wilderness camping. "This is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond," explains Sarah C. Another camper adds, "The hike from the parking lot to the campsite was 1.5 miles and pretty easy. It is mostly flat with a few minor hills."
Strategic trail connections: Many campsites serve as hubs for accessing multiple destinations. At Nauman Tentsite, Jen O. notes its convenient position: "Site is 0.8 from the summit of mount Pierce and 1.6 from mount Jackson summit, so great base camp location." This strategic placement allows for day trips without moving camp.
Star-gazing opportunities: Several sites offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At Sawyer Pond, Erin H. shares: "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to. I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond."
What you should know
Bear management requirements: Bear activity varies by location, with different sites offering specific protection options. "There is one bear hang located just in front of sites 3 and 4 that is large enough to accommodate food from multiple groups. You will need rope to hang your food, however a cable is provided," explains Sarah C. at Sawyer Pond. At Blue Brook Tent Site, "Bears are an issue so be sure to hang your food and toiletries. There is a perfect bear hang tree near the fire pit."
Site selection challenges: Campers should consider potential flooding or overcrowding when choosing sites. At Blue Brook, Sarah C. advises: "There are several tent sites with cribbing, most of which appear to potentially flood in heavy rains so be thoughtful when selecting your site." For Sawyer Pond, Hunter P. warns: "I visited this campsite on a Sunday night in September with my dog and it was lovely... I did speak to a family that was hiking down who said that the campground was completely full the night before (Saturday night)."
Limited firewood availability: Several sites have restrictions or practical limitations regarding fires. At Sawyer Pond, Hunter P. notes: "There was very little available firewood near the campsites." Some areas prohibit fires entirely, especially at higher elevations. Seasonal fire bans may also be implemented during dry periods, requiring campers to bring alternative cooking methods.
Tips for camping with families
Choose approachable terrain: For family backpacking, select sites with manageable trails. Jean C. recommends Sawyer Pond: "Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly. It's easy access means it can also attract weekend partiers." At Ethan Pond Shelter, families find a good balance of access and amenities: "3 mile hike in from Ripley Falls parking lot, a nice spur trail to a water fall to explore on the hike up or down."
Pack entertainment options: Waterside campsites provide natural play spaces for children. At Ethan Pond, Jen O. notes the "Beautiful sunset over the pond," though cautions that the "Pond can be pretty buggy with black flies, particularly in June, but that's to be expected." Similarly, the proximity to swimming holes at Fourth Iron Campground makes it ideal for families with children who enjoy water play.
Plan for variable conditions: Weather in the White Mountains can change rapidly, requiring family-specific preparation. J.W. describes Nauman Tentsite as "a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms in the white mountains. It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult, I did it with my 5 year old in tow." Families should pack additional layers and rain gear even for summer trips.
Tips from RVers
Alternative base camps: Since many dispersed sites are tent-only, RVers often use established campgrounds as a home base for day trips. At Swans Falls Campground near the New Hampshire border, K.R. notes: "Camped here with family—all adults, 3 tents. We all fit in the large site easily. Sites are wooded but not a ton of space/trees in between them." This campground allows larger groups and provides more amenities than backcountry sites.
Day-use parking strategies: RVers can access many trailheads leading to tent sites by parking at designated day-use areas. Daniel S. explains that at Fourth Iron Campground, "There is a small parking lot with a sign but other than that its pretty easy to miss." Similarly, the Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites offers "15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area," according to Jake C.
Seasonal road closures: RVers must monitor forest road openings, particularly during spring. Jean C. advises about Sawyer Pond access: "Check the White Mountain National Forest website for information about road openings in the spring and fall. Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly."
